How Staff at Midlands Dove Mediation Have Responded to the Changes Brought On By COVID-19
We are currently in an unprecedented period in time. The Coronavirus outbreak has affected everyone on a global scale, permanently altering the way we live and work.
Many businesses around the world have been forced to remain away from their premises of work, using and developing their working practices and remote working capabilities to extreme levels. Our staff have embraced the notion of working from home and the technology that supports this, whilst ensuring we are able to provide professional, high level of services, which meet the needs of those who wish to use our services.
What changes have been made to the way we work at Midlands Dove Mediation?
Currently, our offices remain closed to the general public, meaning that where possible, our staff are working remotely.
At Midlands Dove Mediation we remain fully operational, in providing publically (free where applicable) and privately funded services.
Our specialist Accredited Solicitor Mediators have been and continue to offer our broad range of Mediation services via secure video conferencing apps such as: Zoom, Skype and Facetime, in a manner which is compliant with the requirements of the Family Mediation Council and the Legal Aid Agency.
Our dedicated team have remained motivated during these trying times, in order to continue to facilitate our specialist, independent and impartial Mediation services.
Free initial information
At Midlands Dove Mediation, our specialist, independent and impartial Solicitor Mediators, are here to take the worry off your hands.
Our experienced Mediation team provide free initial information in relation to each type of Mediation process and how this could assist in your current circumstances.
Please call our administration hub on 01623706020 or your preferred office below or email enquiries@midlandsdove.co.uk or visit their specific website www.midlandsdove.co.uk
- Chesterfield: 01246 386322
- Derby: 01332 973800
- Mansfield: 01623 706020
- Nottingham: 0115 8384777
How did our team initially feel about the changes?
On 17th March the instruction was given for us to close all offices to the general public, to protect our Mediation participants, our staff and their families. The offices have remained closed, to the public, since this date.
During this time there was no panic, from our staff however, there was an immense amount of urgency to ensure all the correct procedures were adopted, that staff had all of necessary equipment to work remotely, appointments were altered and Mediation participants were supported in using the newly implemented processes and documentation.
To many of the Midlands Dove Mediation staff the first few days of working remotely felt like a whirlwind. People get used to a certain way of living and it is understandable, that when things change, we feel an initial sense of shock and maybe a lack of control. That being said, our dedicated team remained extremely motivated and considered not only the challenges but also opportunities that these changes could offer.
How has our team responded to the changes?
During these uncertain times, many people around the world have had to accept the many changes that have been made to their working and home lives.
With people working remotely, many of whom have never done so in the past, this can bring some challenges and frustrations that have never been experienced or considered before. Additionally, these changes also spark some positives and alter the way some individuals think about their lives. We soon discovered that we must ignore the uncertainty that the Coronavirus pandemic brings, and focus on what we could do to support our staff and our Mediation participants.
At Midlands Dove Mediation we cannot thank our committed team enough for how they have responded to the changes that have been made, during what is an unfamiliar period in time. We remain fully operational, and it is because of the devoted staff that we are able to continue as such, despite their managing substantial changes in their working lives but also their home life, with many supporting family and home schooling.
What are the positive things people have noticed about the changes?
One thing that has become apparent at Midlands Dove Mediation, are the lengths that staff will go to in order to support each other. This kind of support has also become noticeable nationwide, and it is important that we continue to be united during this trying time. This is why our Mediators have been in close contact with other Mediators across the Country, helping them to adapt their Mediation processes and documentation.
There are other positive aspects that have become clear on a more personal and individual level. Many staff members spend a lot of time and money commuting to work. Working from home means that many individuals have saved money in regards to this, and have noticed a decrease in their stress levels associated with travel.
Although we are in a time that has had a huge impact on our lives, many people have begun to appreciate things that they may have taken for granted in the past. With schools being closed and many parents working from home, our staff and their families have developed new interests and routines as a family.
Our Mediation participants have been grateful for our continued provision of services, during a time for many which has been filled with heightened frustration, fears and emotion. Mediation participants have expressed their gratitude, in the professional, clear and transparent manner in which we have been able to explain our new processes and support them in using these, often from the safety of their own homes.
What can we predict for the future?
It seems likely, Coronavirus pandemic will surely change the way we live and work on a permanent basis.
At this moment in time, no-one knows what the future will bring for this country, or for the world as a whole. It is because of this uncertainty, that we must remain united in offering support to others, who are experiencing additional issues, disputes and conflict, whilst staying alert.
At Midlands Dove Mediation, the COVID-19 crisis has forced us to adapt our working, allowing us to safely and confidentially facilitate Mediation participants needs, remotely. In the future, it is likely that Mediation services will be offered by means of video conferencing, alongside face-to-face meetings (in line with the Government’s social distancing policy and any requirements introduced by the Family Mediation Council and Legal Aid Agency). Consequently, our team will be able to offer our specialist Mediation services, without geographical location being an obstacle for our Mediators.
How we can help
Our experienced team of Accredited Mediators are able to provide impartial support, assistance and information, during what may be a difficult and distressing time.
Our specialist team members all have experience of helping people at difficult times in their lives and we are committed to delivering to you a professional and confidential service.
Location is not an issue
Our Mediators are able to provide their expert services across the country. For us, geographical location is not an obstacle, however, we have a network of offices based in the east midlands in Chesterfield, Nottingham, Mansfield and Derby.
Our Mediators are provide remote individual MIAMs and Mediation Sessions, subject to and in accordance with the requirements of the Family Mediation Council and Legal Aid Agency, using ZOOM, Facetime or Skype.
How to make contact
Our team are on hand to help you and can assist wherever you are based.
Please call us for a no-obligation, free initial discussion or email enquiries@midlandsdove.co.uk and we will call or email you back.
- Chesterfield: 01246 386322
- Derby: 01332 973800
- Mansfield: 01623 706020
- Nottingham: 0115 8384777
